Padma Awards 2026 list approved: 131 honours announced across fields
India’s Padma Awards 2026 list has been cleared, with 131 civilian honours spanning arts, public service, sports, academia and more. The list includes awards to leading cultural figures and sportspersons, as the country heads into Republic Day celebrations.
India’s Padma Awards 2026 list has been approved, with 131 civilian honours announced across the three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The awards, among the country’s highest civilian recognitions, are given for distinguished service in a wide range of disciplines including art, literature and education, medicine, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, sports and civil service.
Several well-known names from cinema and music were highlighted in coverage of the announcement. Reports said veteran actor Dharmendra was conferred the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, while actor Mammootty and singer Alka Yagnik were named among Padma Bhushan awardees. The overall list includes a mix of national icons and lesser-known contributors whose work has had sustained impact at community, state and national levels.
The Padma honours are traditionally announced around Republic Day, and are widely seen as a national acknowledgement of excellence and service. The 2026 list continues the practice of recognising achievement across both popular and specialised fields, spanning culture, governance, business, sports and academia.
The awards also include recognition for sporting excellence. Separate reports noted that Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and India women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar are set to receive the Padma Shri. Such recognitions often reflect a combination of on-field record, leadership impact and contribution to the visibility and growth of sport in India.
As with past years, the announcement is expected to be followed by detailed citations and formal investiture ceremonies later in the year. The Padma lists typically draw public interest and discussion not only for the biggest celebrity names, but also for the breadth of categories and the inclusion of awardees working in social welfare, education and grassroots innovation.
The announcement arrives as India approaches Republic Day on 26 January 2026, when national celebrations take place across the country. The timing reinforces the Padma awards’ role as a public marker of national appreciation, tying civic recognition to a moment of constitutional pride and public reflection.